U.S. patent number 7,843,351 [Application Number 10/931,798] was granted by the patent office on 2010-11-30 for back training device.
Invention is credited to Robert Bourne, Lorenzo Hyland.
United States Patent |
7,843,351 |
Bourne , et al. |
November 30, 2010 |
Back training device
Abstract
A novel back training device is disclosed. The back training
device includes a control box; a detector mounted to the control
box, for detecting when a person bends at the waist; and an alert
means, operatively connected to the detector for alerting the
person when the person bends at the waist.
Inventors: |
Bourne; Robert (Salt Lake City,
UT), Hyland; Lorenzo (Salt Lake City, UT) |
Family
ID: |
35944360 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/931,798 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20060047232 A1 |
Mar 2, 2006 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.7;
600/595; 73/865.4; 340/573.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
5/1116 (20130101); A63B 23/0244 (20130101); A63B
23/0233 (20130101); A61B 5/6831 (20130101); A63B
2071/0627 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
23/00 (20060101); A61B 5/00 (20060101); A61B
5/103 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;33/512,511 ;434/247
;600/595 ;482/3-9,900-903 ;340/573.1,573.7 ;73/865.4 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Thanh; Loan
Assistant Examiner: Ganesan; Sundhara M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Workman Nydegger
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A back training device, comprising: a portable control box; a
detector mounted to the portable control box for detecting when a
person bends at the waist beyond a user selectable set point and
for measuring a number of degrees associated with how far the
person bends at the waist, wherein the detector is configured to be
worn by the person such that the detector is positioned upon the
person's body to measure bending at the waist; a set button mounted
on the portable control box and operatively connected to the
detector for setting the user selectable set point, wherein the
person sets a user selectable set point while wearing the detector
by bending over to a maximum desired angle and by pressing the set
button while being bent over to the maximum desired angle, such
that the user selectable set point is defined as the maximum
desired bending angle of the person; an alert means operatively
connected to the detector and mounted to the portable control box
for alerting the person each time the person bends at the waist
beyond an alert point, wherein the alert point is the same as the
user selectable set point, such that the alert means alerts the
user each time the user bends beyond the user selectable set point,
thereby providing negative feedback to the person each time the
person bends at the waist beyond the user selectable set point,
thereby training the person to refrain from bending beyond the user
selectable set point, wherein the alert means is activated by the
detector when it is detected that the person has bent at the waist
beyond the user selectable set point; a memory configured to store
data corresponding to when the person bends at the waist beyond the
user selectable set point, wherein the memory is configured to
function as a logic/counter storage device, wherein data is stored
each time the person bends at the waist beyond the user selectable
set point, the stored data comprising a date, a time, and the
number of degrees associated with how far the person bends at the
waist; a display operatively connected to the detector configured
to display data stored by the memory; and a processor operatively
connected to the memory and the display to facilitate the display
of data stored by the memory.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the detector is housed within the
portable control box.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the alert means includes a power
source, wherein the power source is electrically connected to the
alert means for powering the alert means.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the alert means is a
vibrator.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the alert means is a buzzer.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein the power source includes at
least one battery.
7. The device of claim 3, further comprising a display button for
browsing the display output, the display being connected to the
power source.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a liquid
crystal display readout.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the display displays the date and
time that the detector detected the person bending beyond the set
point at the waist.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a liquid
crystal screen.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the memory automatically stores
and the display automatically displays a graph of the number of
times that the detector detected the person bending beyond the set
point at the waist over a period of time, and the degree of
bend.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the period of time is 30
days.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein the period of time is 24
hours.
14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a strap, which holds
the device to the person.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the strap is worn directly on
the skin, under the clothing.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is mounted within a
holster worn by the person.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the detector includes a strain
gauge.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the device includes a thin
plastic piece wherein the strain gauge is attached to the surface
of the thin plastic piece and is held against the body of the
person.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the device includes a thin
metal piece wherein the strain gauge is attached to the surface of
the thin metal piece and is held against the body of the
person.
20. The back training device of claim 1, wherein the portable
control box comprises a computer interface.
21. The back training device of claim 1, wherein setting the user
selectable set point comprises: the person wearing the detector
bending at the waist to a desired angle; and activating the set
button mounted on the portable control box while the person is
bending at the waist to the desired angle, the user selectable set
point defining a bending angle at the person's waist when the set
button is activated.
22. A back training device, comprising: a portable control box; a
detector mounted external to, and operatively connected to, the
portable control box for detecting when a person bends at the waist
beyond a set point and for measuring a number of degrees associated
with how far the person bends at the waist, wherein the detector is
adapted to be worn by the person, wherein the detector is selected
from the group consisting of a Micro Electromechanical System, a
goniometer, and a strain gauge; an alert means, mounted within the
portable control box, operatively connected to the detector for
alerting the person each time the person bends at the waist beyond
the set point, wherein the detector activates the alert means when
the detector detects that the person has bent over beyond the set
point; a set button mounted on the portable control box and
operatively connected to the detector for setting the set point,
wherein the person sets the set point while the person is wearing
the detector by bending over to a maximum desired angle and by
pressing the set button while the person is bent over to the
maximum desired angle, wherein the set point is defined as the
position of the user when the user presses the set button, wherein
the set point is selectively set by the person wearing the detector
such that the alert means is activated each subsequent time the
person bends at the waist beyond the set point; a display
operatively connected to the portable control box and being adapted
to display information relating to the person bending beyond the
set point during a specified time period; and a display button
operatively connected to the display for browsing the displayed
information and enabling selection of a desired time period.
23. The back training device of claim 22, wherein the detector
comprises a strain gauge.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein the strain gauge is epoxied to
a thin piece of plastic which is directly attached to the skin of
the person.
25. The device of claim 23, wherein the strain gauge is epoxied to
a thin piece of metal which is directly attached to the skin of the
person.
26. The back training device of claim 23, further comprising a wire
connecting the strain gauge to the alert means within the control
box.
27. The back training device of claim 23, wherein the strain gauge
is in wireless communication with the alert means within the
control box.
28. The back training device of claim 26 or 27, further comprising
a belt worn by a person, wherein the control box, strain gauge and
wire are mounted on the belt.
29. The back training device of claim 28, wherein the belt has a
width greater than twice the width of the control box.
30. The back training device of claim 28, wherein the strain gauge
is worn at the base of the spine of the person.
31. The device of claim 22, wherein the alert means includes a
power source, and a logic/counter memory chip, wherein the power
source is electrically connected to the logic/counter memory chip
and the alert means for powering the alert means and the
logic/counter memory chip.
32. The device of claim 31, wherein the alert means is a
vibrator.
33. The device of claim 31, wherein the alert means is a
buzzer.
34. The device of claim 31, wherein the power source includes at
least one battery.
35. The device of claim 31, wherein the display is connected to the
power source.
36. The device of claim 35, wherein the display includes a liquid
crystal display readout.
37. The device of claim 36, wherein the display displays the date
and time that the detector detected the person bending beyond the
set point at the waist, and the degree of bend.
38. The device of claim 35, wherein the display includes a liquid
crystal screen.
39. The device of claim 38, wherein the display automatically
records and graphs the number of times that the detector detected
the person bending beyond the set point at the waist over a period
of time, and the degree of bend.
40. The device of claim 39, wherein the period of time is 30
days.
41. The device of claim 39, wherein the period of time is 24
hours.
42. The back training device of claim 22, wherein the set point
corresponds to the bending angle of the person when the set button
is pressed.
43. The back training device of claim 22, wherein setting the set
point comprises: the person wearing the detector bending at the
waist to a desired angle; and activating the set button mounted on
the portable control box while the person is bending at the waist
to the desired angle, the set point defining a bending angle at the
person's waist when the set button is activated.
44. A body movement training device, comprising: a detector
configured to measure the bending angle at a designated location on
a user's body and to detect when the user bends beyond a set point;
and a portable control mechanism in communication with the
detector, the portable control mechanism comprising: a set button
mounted on the portable control mechanism for setting the set
point, the set button being operatively connected to the detector
to set the range of motion for the detector, wherein the user sets
the set point while wearing the detector by bending the designated
location on the user's body to a maximum desired angle and by
pressing the set button while the person is bent to the maximum
desired angle, wherein the set point is defined as the bending
angle of the user when the user presses the set button, wherein the
set point is set by bending the designated location to the set
point and pressing the set button; an alerting device configured to
alert the user each time the user bends the designated location
beyond an alert point, wherein the alert point is the same as the
set point, such that the alerting device alerts the user each time
the user bends the designated location beyond the bending angle
defining the set point, the alerting device being operatively
connected to the detector such that the alerting device is
activated by the detector each time the detector detects that the
user has bent the designated location beyond the set point, thereby
providing negative feedback to the user each time the user bends
the designated location beyond the set point; a monitoring device
configured to record the number of times the user bends beyond the
set point and the corresponding bending angles, the monitoring
device comprising a memory; a computer interface for connecting the
control mechanism to a computer; and a display for displaying data
recorded by the monitoring device, wherein the display is adapted
to enable the user to selected a desired time period and view on
the display the data recorded by the monitoring device for the
selected time period.
45. The body movement training device of claim 44, further
comprising a wireless connection that facilitates communication
between the detector and the portable control mechanism.
46. The body movement training device of claim 44, further
comprising a wired connection that facilitates communication
between the detector and the portable control mechanism.
47. The body movement training device of claim 44, wherein the
detector is attached to the portable control mechanism.
48. The body movement training device of claim 44, wherein the
display is configured to display the date and time the user bends
beyond the set point and the corresponding bending angle.
49. The body movement training device of claim 44, wherein the
display is configured to graph data related to the number of times
the user bends beyond the set point.
50. The body movement training device of claim 44, in which the
computer interface is one of a USB interface or a firewire
interface.
51. The body movement training device of claim 44, wherein the
display is an LCD display.
52. A back training device configured to be worn by a user with the
aid of a strap, belt, holster, or adhesive tape, the back training
device comprising: a detector configured to measure a degree of
bend at the user's waist and to detect when the user bends beyond a
user selectable set point, wherein the detector is selected from
the group consisting of a Micro Electromechanical System, a
goniometer, and a strain gauge; a portable control box in
communication with the detector, the portable control box
comprising: a set button mounted on the portable control box for
inputting the set point, the set point being a user defined degree
of bend at the user's waist, the set button being operatively
connected to the detector to set the range of motion for the
detector, wherein the user sets the set point while wearing the
detector by bending over at the waist to a maximum desired angle
and by pressing the set button while being bent at the waist to the
maximum desired angle, thereby defining the set point as the
position of the user's body when the set button is pressed, wherein
the set point is set by bending over to the set point and pressing
the set button; an alerting device configured to alert the user
when the user bends beyond an alert point, the alert point being
the same as the set point such that the alerting device alerts the
user when the user bends beyond the set point, the alerting device
being operatively connected to the detector such that the alerting
device is activated by the detector each time the detector detects
that the user has bent over beyond the set point, thereby providing
negative feedback to the user each time the user bends beyond the
set point, wherein the alerting device is selected from the group
consisting of a buzzer, a beeper, and a vibrator; a memory
configured to store information relating to the user bending beyond
the set point, the information comprising the number of times the
user bends at the waist beyond the set point set by the set button
and the corresponding degree of bend at the user's waist, wherein
the memory comprises a logic/counter memory chip adapted to store
the information according to a plurality of time period; a display
operatively connected to the memory and configured to display the
date and time the user bends beyond the set point and the
corresponding degree of bend at the user's waist, the display being
configured to numerically and graphically display information
relating to the user bending beyond the set point, wherein the
display is adapted to display the information relating to the user
bending beyond the set point over the plurality of time periods; a
display button operatively connected to the display and the memory,
wherein the display button allows the user to browse display output
and select a desired time period from the plurality of time periods
in order to view on the display information relating to the user
bending beyond the set point during the selected time period; a
computer interface adapted to facilitate communication of the
stored information between the portable control box and an external
computer, the computer interface being selected from the group
consisting of a USB interface, a Firewire interface, and a wireless
interface; a power source adapted to provide power to at least one
of the detector, the alert means, the memory, and the display.
53. The back training device of claim 52, further comprising a
wireless connection that facilitates communication between the
detector and the portable control box.
54. The back training device of claim 52, further comprising a
wired connection that facilitates communication between the
detector and the portable control box.
55. The back training device of claim 54, wherein the detector is
attached to the portable control box.
56. The back training device of claim 52, wherein the display
graphs the number of times the user bends beyond the set point and
the corresponding degrees of bend at the user's waist.
57. The back training device of claim 52, wherein the portable
control box is mounted within a holster worn by the user proximate
the user's hip.
58. The back training device of claim 52, wherein the detector is
coupled to a strap that is worn proximate the user's skin.
59. The back training device of claim 52, wherein the set point
corresponds to a bending position of user when the set button is
pressed.
60. The back training device of claim 52, wherein setting the set
point comprises: the user wearing the detector bending at the waist
to a desired angle; and activating the set button mounted on the
portable control box while the user is bending at the waist to the
desired angle, the set point defining a bending angle at the user's
waist when the set button is activated.
61. A method for monitoring back movement, the method comprising:
providing a back training device comprising: a detector configured
to measure the degree of bend at a user's waist and to detect when
the user bends beyond a user selectable set point; and a portable
control mechanism operatively connected to the detector, wherein
the detector is mounted on the portable control mechanism;
positioning the detector on the user's body; setting the user
selectable set point, wherein setting the user selectable set point
comprises: the user bending at the waist to a desired angle to
define the user selectable set point; and activating a set button
mounted on the portable control mechanism while the user is bending
at the waist to the desired angle, the user selectable set point
defining a bending angle at the user's waist when the set button is
activated; providing an alert to the user each time the user bends
beyond an alert point to inform the user that the user has bent
beyond the alert point, wherein the alert point is the same as the
user selectable set point such that the alert is provided each time
the user bend beyond the user selectable set point; monitoring when
the user bends beyond the user selectable set point; and displaying
on a display operatively connected to the control mechanism the
number of times the user bends beyond the user selectable set
point.
62. The method of claim 61, further comprising connecting the
portable control mechanism to a computer, the portable control
mechanism comprising a computer interface chosen from one of a USB
interface or a firewire interface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to the field of lower back motion
sensing devices that monitors unsafe spinal movement. In
particular, the present invention helps individuals to re-train
themselves to bend primarily at the knees instead of bending
primarily at the waist by using biofeedback technology and
Pavlovian response.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention employs a sensor that detects whether its
user is bending at the waist beyond a certain set point and warns
the user through a vibrating, shocking, or audible alarm. The
present invention is attached to the user through a novel cloth
belt, narrow strap, plastic holster with a belt clip (like the ones
that hold pagers) onto a person's belt, or adhesive patch.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,697 is directed to a spinal monitor, which
detects movements of the lower back in lifting, bending and
twisting through the use of a modified "t"-shaped collimated light
beam emitted from a unit worn at the base of the spinal column and
detected along the column as long as the spinal motion is within
prescribed limits of flexion, extension, and left and right lateral
movements--and beyond which an audible signal alert is provided as
a warning of unsafe spinal movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,083 discloses a microprocessor based system
utilizing electromyographic sensor to monitor muscle force for lift
training and exercise training. In the lift training embodiment the
electrodes of the electromyographic sensor are secured to a belt so
that they are located adjacent to the lower back of the user when
wearing the belt. The lift training embodiment is also provided
with a goniometer to measure lifting angle during training, which
together with muscle force generated by the lower back is compared
in the microprocessor to a programmed lifting parameters and if
these parameters are exceeded the user is warned by an audible
indicator. The lift trainer embodiment also periodically measures
interelectrode impedance to insure actual usage. The exercise
training embodiment has a bar graph display displaying muscle
intensity and two light emitting diodes alerting a user when to
contract or relax a monitored muscle group. The microprocessor is
programmed with a exercise routine and alerts a user when the
routine is to begin, the duration of muscle contraction and
relaxation, and the repetitions required. During exercise the user
can monitor muscle intensity from the bar graph display and or
auditory feedback element. An alternate lift training systems
comprises a belt mounted goniometer which is operatively coupled to
a microprocessor having an electronic memory for time logging a
lifting session. To insure actual usage the belt is also provided
with temperature and/or motion sensors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,838 discloses a posture training device, which
includes a frame and a module floatingly engaged with the frame.
The device can be held snugly against the backbone of a person by a
belt or garment, such that an increase in curvature of the backbone
in either the midsagittal plane or a transverse plane moves the
module relative to the frame. When the module has been moved
sufficiently to indicate a poor posture position, a tactile signal
generator within the module is activated to vibrate, thereby
alerting the person that he or she has assumed a poor posture.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,576 discloses an electronic device, system, and
method to monitor and train an individual on proper motion during
physical movement. The system employs an electronic device which
tracks and monitors an individual's motion through the use of an
accelerometer capable of measuring parameters associated with the
individual's movement. The device also employs a user-programmable
microprocessor which receives, interprets, stores and responds to
data relating to the movement parameters based on customizable
operation parameters, a real-time clock connected to the
microprocessor, memory for storing the movement data, a power
source, a port for downloading the data from the device to other
computation or storage devices contained within the system, and
various input and output components. The downloadable,
self-contained device can be worn at various positions along the
torso or appendages being monitored depending on the specific
physical task being performed. The device also detects the speed of
movements made while the device is being worn. When a
pre-programmed recordable event is recognized, the device records
the time and date of the occurrence while providing feedback to the
wearer via visual, audible and/or tactile warnings.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,928 discloses a range of motion measuring and
displaying device, which includes a modular housing containing a
micro-computer and associated circuitry as well as input controls,
display and printout facilities, input and output cord connections
and a software receiving area which is provided so as to detachably
connect to the modular housing diverse programs enabling diverse
modes of operation of the invention. One of the cord connections is
provided for attachment thereto of the cord of an electronic
goniometer which has been designed specifically to interface with
the modular housing. The electronic goniometer is of the variable
resistance type and outputs voltages interpretable by the
micro-computer which voltages are indicative of a rotation of the
electronic goniometer with respect to an original vertical
position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the modular
housing has cord connections for a plurality of such electronic
goniometers which may be used simultaneously in the operation of
the present invention so as to determine the range of motion of a
plurality of joints with respect to one another, such as separate
vertabral joints of the spinal column. The present invention is
usable to measure the range of motion of the various joints of the
human body in any desired sequence and includes a separate mode
enabling the performance of sets and repetitions of various
exercises with the various body joints with the micro-computer
monitoring such exercises.
U.S. Patent Application No. 20020170193 discloses a sensing device,
which is attached to a living subject that includes sensors for
distinguishing lying, sitting, and standing positions. In another
embodiment, sensor data is stored in a storage device as a function
of time. Multiple points or multiple intervals of the time
dependent data are used to direct a feedback mechanism to provide
information or instruction in response to the time dependent output
indicating too little activity, too much time with a joint not
being moved beyond a specified range of motion, too many motions
beyond a specified range of motion, or repetitive activity that can
cause repetitive stress injury.
There is a need, however, for a device that can be attached to a
person to retrain his bending habits by consistently alerting him
when he is jeopardizing his lower back by bending over too much at
the waist and to record how many times in a given period the person
has bent over too far at the waist. The previously cited art fails
to provide a device that not only alerts a patient when he has bent
at the waist past a set point which he sets to indicate the maximum
amount that he is supposed to bend, but also tracks the number of
times over a given period that the person has been alerted. It also
displays the amount in degrees that a person is bending at any
particular time. The set point can be set based on a certain body
position, or a certain numeric degree of bend as indicated by the
LCD readout. It would therefore be beneficial if a device existed,
as a retraining aid, which detected when a person bent past a
certain set point beyond which he is not supposed to bend, and
recorded the number of times the person has thus triggered the set
point alarm.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a back training
device that will alert a person when he or she bends over at the
waist.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a back
training device that includes a control box; a detector mounted
inside the control box, for detecting when a person bends at the
waist beyond a set point; and an alert means, operatively connected
to the detector for alerting the person when the person bends at
the waist beyond the set point.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a
miniature back training device such that the miniature back
training device can be attached by an adhesive patch to the person,
so that a belt is not needed to attach the device to the
person.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a
back training device that utilizes a goniometer to detect when the
person bends at the waist.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a novel
back training device is disclosed. The novel back training device
includes a control box; a detector mounted inside the control box,
for detecting when a person bends at the waist beyond a set point;
and an alert means, operatively connected to the detector for
alerting the person when the person bends at the waist beyond the
set point.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a novel
miniature training device is disclosed. The novel miniature
training device includes a miniature control box; a miniature
detector, for detecting when a person bends beyond a set point at
the waist; and a miniature alert means, operatively connected to
the detector for alerting the person when the person bends beyond
the set point at the waist. The miniature detector and/or alert
means are adapted to be directly attached to the skin of the person
and in communication with the miniature control box.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a
novel back training device utilizing a goniometer is provided. The
novel back training device utilizing a goniometer includes a
goniometer for sensing when a person bends at the waist; and an
alert means, operatively connected to the goniometer for alerting
the person when the person bends at the waist.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be better understood when read with reference to the appended
drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a back training device in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an internal side elevation schematic of the back training
device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an internal side elevation schematic of an alternative
embodiment of a back training device in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of a person wearing the back
training device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the person wearing the back
training device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a front elevation view of a person wearing an
alternative embodiment of the back training device in accordance
with the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a rear elevation view of the person wearing the
alternative embodiment of the back training device in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
refer to the same components across the several views and in
particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a back training device
10. The back training device 10 includes a control box 11, having a
first side 12, a second side 13, a first edge 21, a second edge 22,
a third edge 23, and a fourth edge 24.
The control box 11 has a display 25 mounted on the first side 12 of
the control box 11. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the display 25 is a liquid crystal display (LCD),
however, any type of display known to one of ordinary skill in the
art may be utilized as display 25. As depicted in FIG. 1, the
display 25 is a graphing display, however, the display can be of
any type known to one of ordinary skill in the art, for example, a
numeric display. A set button 15 is mounted on the first edge 21 of
the control box 11. A detector 31 is mounted in the control box 11
for detecting when a person bends beyond a certain set point. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detector 31 is
disposed within the control box 11, however, the detector may be
mounted to the control box 11 anywhere known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention the detector 31 is a Micro Electromechancial
System (MEMS), however any detector known to one of ordinary skill
in the art may be employed. Operatively connected to the detector
31 is an alert means 37. The set button 15 is also operatively
connected to the detector 31 to set the range of motion for the
detector 31. Also included in the control box 11 is logic/counter
memory chip 34. The logic/counter memory chip 34 stores the number
of times that the person bends at the waist beyond the set point
set by the set button 15. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the logic/counter memory chip 34 stores the number of
times the person bent at the waist beyond the set point in a 24
hour period, however, any period known to one of ordinary skill in
the art may be used, such as a period of 30 days, or months.
For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the person
may bend over to an allowable angle, and then press the set button
15. The detector 31 will then be set to allow the person to bend at
the waist until he goes beyond the set point. When the person bends
beyond the set point that the detector 31 is set via the set button
15, the detector 31 will activate the alert means 37. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alert means 37
is a buzzer, beeper, or vibrator. However, any alert means 37 known
to one of ordinary skill in art may be employed to alert the person
that he or she has bent over beyond the set point set for detector
31 by the set button 15.
A power source 33 is included in the control box 11 of the back
training device 10 to provide power to the components that require
it. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the power source 33 provides power to the detector 31,
the alert means 37, and the logic/counter memory chip 34. However,
any component known to one of ordinary skill in the art can be
connected to the power source 33, and some components known to one
of ordinary skill in the art that do not require power can be
unconnected to the power source 33. For example, the detector 31
could be a mechanically operated type detector 31, and therefore
not require connection to the power source 33. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the power source 33 is at
least one battery, however, any known power source 33 known to one
of ordinary skill in the art may be utilized, including additional
batteries.
The logic/counter memory chip 34 counts the number of times the
detector 31 detects the person bend beyond the set point set by the
set button 15, and the degree of bend. The number of times stored,
and the degree of bend, can be accessed via the display 25.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the fourth side 24 of the control box 11
of the back training device 10 includes a display button 16. The
display button 16 is operatively connected to the display 25 and
allows the person to utilize various functions on the display 25.
For example, the display button 16 may be programmed to allow the
person to scroll the dates and events along the display 25. The
display button 16 and the display 25 would also have to be
operatively connected to the logic/counter memory chip 34 in order
to allow the display to scroll through the information regarding
the number of times and dates that the person bent past the set
point set in the detector 31. The display 25 can display the
information as a graph from day to day or it can be a
numerical/digital display wherein the display 25 displays only the
numeric information of the number of times and dates.
The back training device 10 can be worn by the person in a variety
of ways. For example, the back training device 10 can be mounted on
the person by means of a strap, belt, or adhesive tape.
Additionally, the back training device 10 may be placed in a
holster which could be worn by the person. A belt clip alone or in
concert with a holster can be used to house the back training
device 10.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an internal side elevation schematic of an
alternative embodiment of a back training device 100 is shown. The
back training device 100 includes a control box 111.
The control box 111 has a display (not shown) mounted on the
control box 111. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD), however,
any type of display known to one of ordinary skill in the art may
be utilized as the display. In general, the control box 111 of the
back training device 100 is very similar to the control box 11 of
the back training device 10. The display of the back training
device 100 is similar to the display 25 of the back training device
10 in that it is a graphing display in a preferred embodiment.
However, the display can be of any type known to one of ordinary
skill in the art, for example, a numeric display. A set button 115
is mounted on the control box 111 much the same way that the set
button 15 is mounted on the control box 11 of the back training
device 10. A goniometer detector 130 is mounted in the control box
111 for detecting when a person bends beyond a certain set point.
The goniometer detector 130 includes in one embodiment of the
present invention an optical indexer 131 and a weight and drive
gear 132. Operatively connected to the goniometer detector 130 is
an alert means 137. The set button 115 is also operatively
connected to the goniometer detector 130 to set the set point for
the goniometer detector 130. Also included in the control box 111
is a logic/counter memory chip 134. Both the goniometer detector
130 and the set button 115 may be operatively connected to the
logic/counter memory chip 134 to set the set point for the
goniometer detector 130. For example, in a preferred embodiment of
the invention, the person may bend over to an allowable angle, and
then press the set button 115. The goniometer detector 130 will
then be set to allow the person to bend over up to that set point.
When the person bends beyond the set point that the goniometer
detector 130 is set to via the set button 115, the goniometer
detector 130 will activate the alert means 137. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the alert means 137 is a
buzzer, beeper, or vibrator. However, any alert means 137 known to
one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed to alert the
person that he or she has bent over beyond the set point set for
goniometer detector 130 by the set button 115.
A power source 133 is included in the control box 111 of the back
training device 100 to provide power to the components that require
it. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the power source 133 provides power to the alert means
137, the logic/counter memory chip 134. However, any component
known to one of ordinary skill in the art can be connected to the
power source 133, and some components known to one of ordinary
skill in the art that do not require power can be unconnected to
the power source 133. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the power source 133 is at least one battery, however,
any known power source 133 known to one of ordinary skill in the
art may be utilized, including additional batteries.
The logic/counter memory chip 134 counts the number of times the
goniometer detector 130 detects the person bend beyond the set
point set by the set button 115. The number of times is stored and
can be accessed via the display. The control box 111 of the back
training device 100 includes a display button (not shown). The
display button is operatively connected to the display and allows
the person to utilize various functions on the display. For
example, the display button may be programmed to allow the person
to scroll the dates and events along the display. The display
button and the display would also have to be operatively connected
to the logic/counter memory chip 134 in order to allow the display
to scroll through the information regarding the number of times and
dates that the person bent past the range set in the goniometer
detector 130, as well as the degree of bend. The display can
display the information as a graph from day to day or it can be a
numerical/digital display wherein the display displays only the
numeric information of the number of times and dates.
Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the back training device 100 is
shown mounted on a person P. The back training device 10 can be
mounted in similar fashion. The back training device 10 or 100 is
attached to a strap 50, and is placed on the side of the person P's
body. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the back
training device 10 or 100 is placed on the right side of the person
P. However, the back training device 10 or 100 can be placed on the
person P wherever one of ordinary skill in the art can see fit,
including the left side.
In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the back
training device can be in miniature form, and can be utilized for
training other areas of the body in addition to the back. In this
way, the miniature detector of the miniature training device can be
directly attached to the body of the person P, without the use of a
belt, strap, and the like. The miniature control box in this
embodiment is separate from the miniature detector. An adhesive
patch may be employed to hold the miniature detector of the
miniature training device onto the skin of the person, however the
miniature detector may also be attached to the person by other
means, such as by the use of a strap, belt, and the like.
A display is included on the control box, and in a preferred
embodiment, the miniature alert means is included in the control
box. Although in a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the miniature control box is a key fob which can be carried in the
pocket of the person wearing the miniature training device, various
other means of carrying the miniature control box may be employed.
For example, the miniature control box may be attached to the
person by means of a belt clip, or any other attachment means known
to one of ordinary skill in the art. A power source is required for
the miniature control box, miniature alert means and miniature
detector. The miniature detector, in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention can be either a strain gauge or a MEMS chip,
however any miniature detector known to one of ordinary skill in
the art may be used as the miniature detector for the miniature
training device. The miniature strain gauge device of the miniature
training device could be placed at the base of the spine for
detection. However, when the miniature detector is in the form of a
MEMS chip, the miniature detector would have to be placed on either
side of the body in order to register a bend. In this fashion, the
miniature detector could be attached directly to the skin or held
by a belt, strap, clip, and the like.
The miniature training device could also be used for retraining
other areas of the body such as the neck. For example, the
miniature strain gauge of the miniature training device could be
placed at the base of the back of the neck, to retrain a person who
is bending too far at the neck. The miniature strain gauge is
epoxied to a thin plastic piece to be attached to the skin of the
person, however any material known to one of ordinary skill in the
art may be used, such as a thin metal piece, and the like. In the
embodiment of the miniature training device where the miniature
detector is a MEMS chip, the miniature detector would be placed on
either side of the neck, preferably in an area where it will
register the most bend in the neck, such as the middle of the neck
between the base of the neck and the head.
The miniature training device includes all other components of the
back training device 10 in miniature form. For example, a miniature
logic/memory chip is included in the miniature training device and
may be included in the miniature control box. Since the miniature
detector is sometimes separate from the miniature alert means and
the miniature control box, means for communicating between each
other is required. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the miniature detector communicates wirelessly with the
miniature control box, for example via a radio signal, however any
means of communication known to one of ordinary skill in the art
may be utilized.
Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another alternative embodiment of
a back training device 200 is depicted. The back training device
200 includes a control box 210 and a detector 220. The control box
210 is similar to the control boxes 11 and 111, however, the
control box 210 does not include a detector. The detector 220 is a
strain gauge in a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
however any known detector to one of ordinary skill in the art may
be utilized as detector 220. The detector 220 is connected to the
control box 210 via means of a wire 230, and is worn at the base of
the spine of the person. Additionally, the detector 220 could be in
wireless communication with the control box 210, in which case the
wire 230 would not be needed. Both the control box 210 and the
detector 220 of the back training device 200 are typically mounted
on a person P' via a belt 250. Although in a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the belt 250 is a wide belt, any size
known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used. The detector
220, in a preferred embodiment, is epoxied to a thin plastic or
metal piece which is placed on the body of the person P'.
All the embodiments of the present invention, including the back
training device 10, 100, 200, and the miniature back training
device will include an interface to connect the device to a
computer and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the interface will include a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
interface. However, any known means to one of ordinary skill in the
art, of communicating from the back training device to the computer
may be employed, such as Firewire, wireless infrared, and the like.
In this manner, the data stored in the back training device can be
uploaded into a computer for further study.
In view of the foregoing disclosure, some advantages of the present
invention can be seen. For example, a novel back training device is
disclosed. The novel back training device attaches to a person and
alerts the person when he or she bends beyond an acceptable limit.
The device further includes a means to record the number of times
the person bends beyond his or her set point, and how many times it
happened over a period of time, such as 24 hours.
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been
described and illustrated, modifications may be made by one of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For
example, instead of an optical indexer and weight and drive gear, a
Micro Electromechanical System (MEMS) may be employed. The MEMS
unit would operate to detect when the person bends beyond the set
point set on the detector. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the detector may be a strain gauge,
however any detector known to one of ordinary skill in the art may
be utilized. Additionally, the strain gauge may be separate from
the control box, by being attached, preferably epoxied, to a thin
plastic piece which would be held by a belt, strap, or other device
to the body of the person.
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